Manchester United have reportedly been lining up a shock move to bring David de Gea back to the club by making "discreet calls" for the Fiorentina goalkeeper.
Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon that the Red Devils have learned of a clause in the Spanish shot-stopper's deal that allows him to leave for a small fee. He has been with the Serie A outfit since August 2024, having waited a year to join a new club.
De Gea reluctantly left Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 after the club allowed his contract to expire and withdrew an offer of a new deal. He made an emotional return last weekend in a pre-season friendly and "made a good impression" in the 1-1 draw.
Man Utd Eyeing Bringing De Gea Back 'Home'
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Manchester United have been tipped to sign a new goalkeeper this summer amid Andre Onana's struggles since arriving as De Gea's replacement in July 2023. The Cameroonian suffered a hamstring injury at the start of pre-season which further fuelled talk of a new shot-stopper arriving.
De Gea's name hadn't initially been suggested as a new keeper to either compete with Onana or provide competition. Ruben Amorim turned to Altay Bayindir for pre-season but the Turk has failed to impress as backup.
Nixon claims that De Gea's "hunger and game back at Fiorentina" have alerted the Reds, and they are working out a way to seal a "remarkable return". It's claimed that the Spaniard would be "happy to be competition at the end of his career":
De Gea spoke about his return to Old Trafford days after Amorim's men met Fiorentina and claimed he'd returned home. He said: "It's my house, so it was a bit emotional, of course. It was two years without coming here, so it was unforgettable."
The 34-year-old became a legend during his United spell, keeping 190 clean sheets in 545 games, winning the Premier League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and two League Cups. He rolled back the years with several impressive performances last season with Viola, including two penalty saves in a 2-1 win against AC Milan.
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Amorim has yet to work with De Gea, having arrived a year after his departure as his exit came under predecessor Erik ten Hag (pictured above). The Dutch coach was behind the decision to part ways and replace him with Onana, although he called him "outstanding" after a contract renewal was cancelled.
A reunion could spell trouble for Onana or Bayindir, given INEOS will be keen to free up wages if they were to give the 45-cap Spain international the green light. But if it is a cheap transaction, there could be space for the trio to be part of Amorim's squad.
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